Challenges of Roger Williams: Religious Liberty, Violent Persecution, and the Bible (Baptists)

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Summary: A profound glimpse into colonial American history
Review: The Challenges Of Roger Williams: Religious Liberty, Violent Persecution, And The Bible by James P. Byurd, Jr. (American Religious History, Vanderbilt University) is a scholarly examination of how interpretation of the Bible prompted violent and fatal persecution of religious liberty in colonial America. Puritan punishments, banishment, and executions of Baptists, radical thinkers, Quakers, and more are all brought to light, as is the story of Roger Williams, who founded the colony of Rhode Island and the first American Baptist Church. Roger Williams dared to advocate religious liberty and paid the price of banishment; his arguments and their repercussions today hold weight in this profound glimpse into colonial American history. The Challenges Of Roger Williams is a highly recommended contribution to American History, Baptist History, and Christian Studies reading lists and academic reference collection.